Editorial: Evidencing the Impact of Human-Animal Interaction for Those Living with Mental Health Problems

Emily Shoesmith ^1* Roxanne D Hawkins ² Elena Ratschen ¹

• ¹ University of York, York, United Kingdom
• ² University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

remains scarce, with existing studies often limited by methodological flaws (22)(23)(24)(25)(26). Key issues include small sample sizes and consequently a lack of statistical power, and an absence of manualised intervention protocols and well-designed control conditions (22,27,28). The majority of HAI research is correlational or small-scale, with a lack of high-quality intervention research designs able to ascertain causal relationships (29). Beyond observing outcomes, there is also a research need to investigate the psychological mechanisms underlying the observed benefits and challenges associated with humananimal relationships and interventions for mental health (30). While advancements have been made in enhancing methodological rigour of HAI research in recent years, substantial theoretical and practical challenges persist, hindering further progress in the field (31). Failure to advance the evidence base may lead to the inefficient use of limited resources and result in poor, potentially unethical, and harmful practice for all parties involved (30).Our Research Topic "Evidencing the Impact of Human-Animal Interaction for Those Living with Mental Health Problems", delves into complex HAI and relationships, aiming to provide more robust empirical evidence and deepen our understanding of how HAI (including companion animal ownership, service dogs, and animal-assisted services) can influence mental health and wellbeing.The 11 articles within this Research Topic collectively advance our understanding of the multifaceted nature of human-animal relationships, while also offering insights into the potential mental health benefits these interactions may offer to various mental health populations. For example, several studies explore the role of animal-assisted services, involving a range of animals, including dogs, horses, and sheep. These studies report the role of animal-assisted services in reducing cortisol levels (Shuck et al. 2024) found that young adults reported positive impacts of their pet dogs and cats on their anxiety and depression symptoms, with the animals providing temporary relief during moments of interaction. Importantly, however, Hawkins et al. (2024) emphasise the need for caution, highlighting that companion animals may not always yield positive outcomes. While living with companion animals is often portrayed in the media as inherently beneficial to (mental) health ( 32), the complexities and potential challenges of these relationships are frequently overlooked. An additional important consideration is the potential for strong attachment to companion animals to serve as an indicator of mental health vulnerabilities. For example, Wells et al. (2024) suggested that a strong attachment to companion animals may correlate with personality traits typically associated with certain mental health conditions. This finding is consistent with previous literature, which has reported a negative relationship between strong emotional attachment to companion animals and mental health (33)(34)(35)(36)(37). While the positive effects of service dogs and companion animal ownership are evident in certain contexts, it is essential to acknowledge the potential risks and complexities associated with strong emotional attachments, which warrants further investigation.Overall, the showcased studies emphasise the intricate and nuanced nature of human-animal relationships. While HAI may offer protective and therapeutic benefits in certain contexts, for example through hypothesised mechanisms involving attachment to or companionship provided by the animal (11)(12)(13)38), it is imperative to approach HAI research with a balanced perspective. Human-animal relationships may also present risks, particularly for certain populations with mental health conditions (39). For example, in addition to the findings reported in our Research Topic, previous studies have highlighted several potential challenges, including the financial burden of animal ownership (40), the responsibility of ensuring an animal's needs are met (41), grief associated with the loss of an animal (11), and potential distress associated with the termination of animal-assisted service sessions, particularly when participants have formed attachments to the animal (42). These factors can have significant implications for mental health.The Research Topic "Evidencing the Impact of Human-Animal Interaction for Those Living with Mental Health Problems" offers a comprehensive examination of the potential benefits and complexities of HAI in mental health contexts. By presenting diverse research methodologies and perspectives, it underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches in integrating HAI into mental health contexts. As the field continues to evolve, future research should aim to address existing gaps, explore the long-term effects of HAI, and develop standardised protocols to maximise benefits while mitigating potential risks (21,43,44). In summary, while HAI present promising avenues for enhancing mental well-being, a rigorous, nuanced and evidence-based approach to research and practice will be essential to fully harness their therapeutic potential.